iOS Tutorial Installing B4i-Bridge and debugging first app

B4i-Bridge is an application that you install on the device.
It has three purposes:
1. Launch the installation process when needed. This step is done with Apple Configurator 2 if using a local builder (https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/installing-apps-with-apple-configurator-2.128397/).
2. Run the installed app (when installation is not needed).
3. The bridge is also the WYSIWYG visual designer.
4. Starting from iOS 16 you need to enable developer mode under: Settings - Privacy & Security -> Developer Mode

You need to install B4i-Bridge once. It is done from the device browser.


This video tutorial shows the steps required in order to install B4i-Bridge.

The important steps are:
- Set the package name based on the provision app id.
- Build B4i-Bridge: Tools -> Build Server -> Build B4i-Bridge
- Open mobile Safari and navigate to the link displayed in the compilation window.
- Install B4i-Bridge and run it.



Transcript:
1. Create a new project and save it.
2. Set the package name based on the provision app id (Project - Build Configurations).
3. Tools - Build Server - Build B4i-Bridge app.
4. The compilation dialog will show the link that you need to enter in the device browser.
5. Click on the Install button and confirm the installation.
6. Press on the Home key. B4i-Bridge app should be installed.
7. Start B4i-Bridge. A message with the ip address will be displayed.
8. Set this address in the IDE under Tools - Device IP Address.
9. Run the program. Approve the installation on the device and click on the new installed app.


Note that this is a real device. Not an emulator.

Tips:

- B4i-Bridge must be in the foreground for it to be able to start an installation or to run the application. In most cases it will be in the foreground automatically. If it is not in the foreground then you need to click on it to bring it to the foreground.

Troubleshooting:

Device errors:


1. Make sure that the mobile provisioning file includes the device UDID and that the UDID doesn't start with ffffff (this is a fake id).
2. Select 64 bit under Tools - Build Server - Server Settings.

Compilation errors:
1. First follow the steps in this tutorial: http://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/creating-a-certificate-and-provisioning-profile.45880/
2. Make sure that the App Id ends with a wildcard.

 

[Erel]

Next time please start a new thread in the questions forum.

Where is the project saved?

Where is B4i installed?

 

[stingrae]

Sorry Erel. I can start a new question if you prefer.

I've tried in various places, originally in a folder next to where my B4A projects are. After reading another thread though, I created a new one at c:\zTest\ to eliminate the possibility of spaces getting in the way.

 

[Erel]

Where is B4i installed?

 

[stingrae]

C:\Program Files (x86)\Anywhere Software\B4i\

 

[Erel]

Are you using the hosted builder or a local builder?

 

[stingrae]

I'm developing on a PC so I assume Hosted. I get the error when I go Tools --> Build Server --> Build B4i-Bridge App

 

[Erel]

Can you enable IDE logs and post them: https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/posts/50478/

 

[stingrae]

Hi Erel, here is the file.

Thank you.

 

[Erel]

Check the keys folder path under Tools - Configure Paths. It is probably wrong.

 

[stingrae]

Just checked and no, the folder is set to the same as my B4A which is
C:\AndroidSDK\platforms\android-26\android.jar
I've also double checked that the folder and file exist.

 

[Erel]

It should be a folder, not a file.

Change it to:
C:\B4i\keys

 

[stingrae]

Thanks Erel, that worked!

 

[LWGShane]

It should be a folder, not a file.

Change it to:
C:\B4i\keys

I'd recommend using a cloud service to store Certs and Provisioning Profiles for easy multi-device access.

 

[alienhunter]

Nice ,
everything works on my Ipad
thank you very much for this
AH

 

[MESTERM]

hi i get an error says cannot connect to 192.168.x.xxx

 

[Erel]

Please start a new thread in the questions forum. Also try to provide more information.

 

[zavaree]

Hi
this is not working on iPad ios 9 ?

 

[Erel]

Works on iOS 7+. Including iPads. For further discussion you should start a new thread.

 

[joergb]

Hello Erel,

i'm trying as you explained in the videos, the bridge built as it should, but the "hello world" app won't compile politely. i keep getting the error
"Code Signing Error: Provisioning profile "default" has app ID "b4i.bis.*", which does not match the bundle ID "b4i.bis"."

do you have any idea how to fix this?

 

[Erel]

Please start a new thread for this.